Aroxen Posted July 24, 2011 #1 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Hello All, We'll be cruising Alaska in August with a stop in Victoria. We have limited time in port. I'm trying to decide if we should spend our time on a day trip/tour to Butchart Gardens, or simply explore downtown Victoria. It looks like our itinerary (9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in port) will not allow us time to comfortably do both. Which should we choose? We enjoy gardens and have visited beautiful ones in London and Paris. However, we're not garden nuts. Still we'd hate to miss something that's truly spectacular. On the other hand, we like to shop, eat and admire architecture, so downtown Victoria also has its advantages. Any advice on which option to choose? Thanks for your thoughts. Aroxen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted July 25, 2011 #2 Share Posted July 25, 2011 Well first, with your time in Victoria you should have time to visit the gardens and see downtown Victoria as well. The Butchart Gardens are world acclaimed gardens and well worth a visit...I would allow about 4 to 5 hrs to go out to the gardens and see them which would allow you several hours to tour downtown Victoria. Victoria only has a population of some 350k so the downtown is very compact and very walkable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted July 25, 2011 #3 Share Posted July 25, 2011 I agree, I absolutely think you can do both. Gardens first, get dropped back in the downtown core, explore, a leisurely walk back to your ship (or short cab ride if you'd rather). Beautiful day. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6rugrats Posted July 25, 2011 #4 Share Posted July 25, 2011 I don't see this mentioned here often, but Victoria has a great museum, the Royal BC Museum. http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/MainSite/default.aspx I highly recommend a visit here. Wonderful exhibits. For me, if you've already gone to a lot of gardens, this would be a nice change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted July 25, 2011 #5 Share Posted July 25, 2011 I agree as the gardens are world class so is the museum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted July 25, 2011 #6 Share Posted July 25, 2011 Ooo, I think you might be pressed to do both the Gardens and the Museum. Both can take up 5 hours of your time. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porsena Posted July 25, 2011 #7 Share Posted July 25, 2011 But the museum and a downtown wander would leave time left over to relax on the ship. The museum is probably my favourite local destination too but maybe the OP wouldn't be interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted July 26, 2011 #8 Share Posted July 26, 2011 I like the museum as well, however sometimes their exhibits are better than others. For a visitor though, you will really learn a lot about British Columbia in a short period of time; time well invested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban trekker Posted July 26, 2011 #9 Share Posted July 26, 2011 ``you will really learn a lot about British Columbia in a short period of time; time well invested. ` You and I and some others have been doing that for sometime and we don`t charge an admission fee. Cheers Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted July 26, 2011 #10 Share Posted July 26, 2011 [quote=Urban trekker;29930634. ` You and I and some others have been doing that for sometime and we don`t charge an admission fee. Cheers Dennis It took me a moment....but I finally got it.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted July 26, 2011 #11 Share Posted July 26, 2011 ....and we don`t charge an admission fee. Guys, remember when the museum was called the "Provincial Museum" and didn't charge an admission fee? Boy. :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mncmom Posted August 9, 2011 #12 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Any chance they charge a reduced entrance fee for after 6 or 7 pm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted August 9, 2011 #13 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Any chance they charge a reduced entrance fee for after 6 or 7 pm? They have a website with all the relevant info. http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/MainSite/default.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mncmom Posted August 9, 2011 #14 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Thought a local might be able to provide me with more acurate information than just a website. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottbee Posted August 9, 2011 #15 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Any chance they charge a reduced entrance fee for after 6 or 7 pm? The museum closes at 5pm most days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ActiveTraveler Posted August 9, 2011 #16 Share Posted August 9, 2011 How far is Butchart Gardens from the curise ship port? Do I need a taxi to get there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseryyc Posted August 9, 2011 #17 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Butchart Gardens are a 45 minute drive from the cruise ship terminal. CVS Victoria offers tours out there; however, if you are only in Victoria for a few hours I strongly suggest you take the ship's tour to ensure you don't miss the ship departing. Yes you can take a taxi out there but it would cost around $50.00 one way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottbee Posted August 9, 2011 #18 Share Posted August 9, 2011 How far is Butchart Gardens from the curise ship port? Do I need a taxi to get there? Here's a map showing the cruise port, and major tourist attractions: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=212770407613531027445.0004665d7f3e28f06866d&msa=0&ll=48.438198,-123.369427&spn=0.08735,0.222988 it's about 20km from downtown/cruise port to Butchart. Your options for getting there are City bus (#31/#75), and organized tours (either from the ship, or coaches that leave from in front of the Empress Hotel) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted August 9, 2011 #19 Share Posted August 9, 2011 The museum is only open until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings during what is essentially the cruise season otherwise it closes at 5 pm. To my knowledge there are no reduced rates in the evening hours. As pointed out in a previous post, if only in Victoria for a few hours in the late afternoon and evening I would be guarded about using the transit system, the schedule becomes a bit sporadic in the evening hours and if not careful you run the risk of missing your ship. With late day visits you are best to stick with a ship sponsored tour. I have just noticed from one of you other posts you are in Victoria for a full day so transit would work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ActiveTraveler Posted August 10, 2011 #20 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Butchart Gardens are a 45 minute drive from the cruise ship terminal. CVS Victoria offers tours out there; however, if you are only in Victoria for a few hours I strongly suggest you take the ship's tour to ensure you don't miss the ship departing. Yes you can take a taxi out there but it would cost around $50.00 one way. Fortunately, my ship will be docked in Victoria for 16 hours, so that will not be a problem. Paying for a taxi will be, of course, so I will look for a way to get there without paying $100 for 90 minutes in a car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseryyc Posted August 10, 2011 #21 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Here is the website for CVS Cruise Victoria; probably your best bet for getting to the Gardens (unless you take public buses). http://www.cvscruisevictoria.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottbee Posted August 10, 2011 #22 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Fortunately, my ship will be docked in Victoria for 16 hours, so that will not be a problem. Paying for a taxi will be, of course, so I will look for a way to get there without paying $100 for 90 minutes in a car. From the road in front of the cruise terminal grab a #31 bus (don't even cross the street); take it to Royal Oak, then change to a #75 bus either downtown or at the Royal Oak exchange; which will take you to Butchart Gardens. Total cost $2.50, just tell the driver where you're going and that you need a transfer when you get on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pizzalady1 Posted August 11, 2011 #23 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Fortunately, my ship will be docked in Victoria for 16 hours, so that will not be a problem. Paying for a taxi will be, of course, so I will look for a way to get there without paying $100 for 90 minutes in a car. Renting a car is an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucyd Posted January 27, 2012 #24 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Hi Scottbee, Not sure if you will see this post - but I wanted to comment on the fabulous Goggle map of Victoria. Did you create this? I created some goggle personalized maps for a trip to Scotland and no how much work (and fun) go into putting them together. Great job. Cynthia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottbee Posted January 27, 2012 #25 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Hi Scottbee,Not sure if you will see this post - but I wanted to comment on the fabulous Goggle map of Victoria. Did you create this? I created some goggle personalized maps for a trip to Scotland and no how much work (and fun) go into putting them together. Great job. Cynthia yep, it's mine. I realized I was answering the same questions over and over Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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